Walking On: Roger Allen Bly, Patricia Anne Martin, Leonette Margaret Galligher, Roxanne Gayle Teeter

Patricia Anne Martin (Tom)

July 6, 1949 – March 21, 2025

Tribal Elder Patricia Anne Martin passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 75.

Patricia “Patti” Tom was born on July 6, 1949, in McMinnville, Oregon. Patti was unbelievably caring, nurturing, optimistic and funny. She was an absolute joy to be around, even when she was “saucy and feisty” later in life. She was always there for anyone who needed her and was always helpful and caring to anyone who needed anything.

Despite being one of the nicest and warmest, she could hold a grudge like no other….and was still upset at an umpire from Pioneer Little League who in the late ‘70s “had no clue on balls and strikes” while her then 10-year-old son, Justin, was pitching.

Patti was a member of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and very proud of her Tribal roots. She was dedicated to the cause of Tribal Restoration throughout the late ‘70s and the early ‘80s.

Patti and her sister-in-law, Sandy Van Woert, worked together for several years as hairdressers after beauty school and co-owned and operated the Image Makers Salon for several decades in Salem. Patti met John Martin while still in beauty school and told Sandy about this “cool dude” she met while cruising the gut. When Patti relayed to Sandy that his name was John Martin, Sandy replied, “He’s a total nerd.” Patti asked how she knew that, and she had to share that John was her brother!

After carpal tunnel surgery, Patti retired from the hair business and returned to college and eventually ended up working for the Tribe in the Vocational Rehabilitation program and spent many years serving on the Grand Ronde Health Committee. Finally, Patti worked with her husband at the steel fabrication shop they owned, Zephyr Engineering.

Education was very important to Patti, and in 1982 she started her college journey by enrolling at Chemeketa Community College. Twenty-one years later, after earning her associate degree, she graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science  in social science. She then went on to get her master’s degree from Western Oregon University in Rehabilitation Science. What amazing dedication!

Patti’s family would like to thank all the professionals that were there for her over these last few years. So, here’s a huge shout out to Carol, Carol, Carol, Carol, the “real” Carol, and finally Carol. You know who you are! Your care, dedication and love are so appreciated!

Patti absolutely adored her husband of 48 years, John, who passed away in 2017, and their son, Justin. She dedicated her life to them and was the most amazing wife and mother.

Patti is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Jennifer Martin; sisters, Kathy Tom (Louis King) and Vicki Lawrence (Dave); brother, Michael Tom; sisters-in-law, Sandy Van Woert (Wayne Cooper) and Suzie Hurley (Bill); and several nieces and nephews: Darrel Lawrence, Devin Lawrence, Ryan Tom, Mason Keppinger, Kelly Jo Martin, Tyson Van Woert and Miranda Van Woert.

There was a service for Patti at Virgil T Golden Funeral Home in Salem Thursday, April 10, followed by a celebration of life.

Leonette Margaret Galligher

Nov. 26, 1939 – March 28, 2025

Tribal Elder Leonette Margaret Galligher passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 85.

A family mass was held Sunday, April 6, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Ronde, followed by a dinner.  

A celebration of life was held Monday, April 7, in the Tribal gym with a private interment at Rest Lawn Memorial.

Bollman’s Tribute Center in Dallas assisted the family.

Roger Allen Bly

April 29, 1944 – April 6, 2025

Tribal spouse Roger Allen Bly passed away at Salem Hospital at 4:37 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the age of 80.

He was surrounded by his two sons, Rod Bly and Arch Bly; his wife, Betty Jean Parazoo Bly; and granddaughter, Josie Wolf.

Last rites were performed.

Before his passing, Roger lived in Grand Ronde Tribal Elder housing with Betty.

He was born in Forks, Washington, and grew up in various cities across the Northwest, graduating from Springfield High School in Springfield, Oregon, in 1962.

During his career as a telecommunications contractor, Roger worked all over the state of Wyoming for 25 years, from tiny towns to large cities, including Evanston and Laramie.

Please send flowers to West Valley Funeral Home (formerly Adamson's) in Sheridan, care of the Bly family.

Donations can be sent to Shriners Hospitals of America.

Private funeral services were held Wednesday, April 9. There will be no public services.

Roxanne Gayle Teeter

April 15, 1960 – April 8, 2025

Tribal Elder Roxanne Gayle Teeter passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 64.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, at the Tribal gym, followed by a gravesite service at the Tribal Cemetery, with a meal to follow at the Elders Activity Center.

Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home in Forest Grove is assisting the family.